How do you teach holiness without evoking feelings of guilt? How do you teach obedience without legalism? You begin by teaching the Love of God, the faithful, unconditional, unstoppable, unfailing, uncompromising love of God. You remind people that God’s love doesn’t ebb and flow with their behavior. He loves you because you are His masterpiece. Secondly, remind them of power of the cross. Because of the cross, sin is no...
No Katakrima
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The word condemnation is the Greek word, katakrima, and it only appears three times in the Bible; and all three instances occur in the book of Romans. It is a legal term and it means to render an adverse or damning verdict. Therefore, in the courtroom of God, He renders no adverse or damning verdict against those who are...
Facebook Posts
I did something dumb this morning. I scrolled mindlessly through my Facebook thread. Never a good idea. But I did learn a few things as I scrolled. I learned Trump is the best president ever. I learned Trump is the worse President ever. I learned J-Lo is an amazing performer. I learned J-Lo’s act was distasteful and shameful. I learned Gayle King was an amazing reporter. I learned Gayle King...
Condemnation or Correction?
There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). We are holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus was not sent to condemn us (John 3:17). We are not condemned but we, as His children, often need correction. How do we discern the difference? Condemnation says “you” are internally flawed. Condemnation says you are your mistake. It leads to guilt, hopelessness, running from God, feeling...